Pete Sampras v Gustavo Kuerten

These two guys played 3 matches against eachother. In 2000, they played two incredible matches - the Miami final and the Masters Cup semifinal in Lisbon. In each match, the Tennis was phenomenal and Kuerten is such an all round player. They brought out the best in eachother.

I think it's a shame they didn't get to play more matches against eachother.

Was that one of the best atmosphere's you've ever experienced? It seemed electric and the players thrived in it.

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Granted I was only 12, and it was my first professional tournament in the USA, it was really exciting. Kuerten got overwhelmed in the 1st set and could have easily won the 3rd and 4th set Pete served well in key situations, especially the 4th set. That was also my first time seeing Sampras, Hewitt and Agassi play in person.

Kuerten matched up well against Pete on hardcourts and indoor surfaces. His stronger, more consistent backhand was a weapon and he had the pop on his groundies to keep Pete honest. Guga was a fierce competitor too.

Also about that Miami match, Sampras actually served for the second set and got broken. After the match he said they were new balls and the balls were flying off his racquet. It was good for the final that he got broken and it became a dogfight, Kuerten hit a great lob to break.

Bu I wonder how many times in Sampras' career he served for a set or a match and got broken?